Jester Challenge Bill Churchouse

Self sufficient Jester Challenger Bill Churchouse describes his top tips for solo sailing a small boat long distance. His Westerly 22 is configured for Atlantic voyaging, and he describes his most effective innovations. Interviewed prior to the Jester Atlantic Challenge 2010.

[@Tampo-tiger]

What an inspiration. The more high tech you have the less peace you enjoy. I absolutely love that Westerly too.I ended up going for a 27' Halcyon because I thought a deep single keel was safer and 27' was about the minimum size for bluewater cruising. Now I wish I'd got a 22 Westerly like Bill's, it makes so much sense. Ah well, I adore the style of my boat and that has to count for something. Your heart needs to flutter when you look at her or you've married the wrong boat.

[@charliebone126]

Cool guy. I like his style and positive attitude 😊

[@jacko74fisher70]

All the way to america, single handed, with no electronics, on an old 22ft boat? One word, BALLS!!

[@jimmydoger1583]

I watched this video and was convinced that I wanted a Westerly. Took me a year to find a Westerly nomad which is very similar to your boat. It's a tank unbelievable Construction. If you ever read this comment Bill thanks so much for the tip😊

[@VTOmanifan]

A friend of mine (Jim Hall) told me about this wonderful person! Why I hadn't seen this video before I don't know. My 22 footer goes to the Channel Islands occasionally, and this video is very reassuring. Yes, I always hook on, with a treble hook line.

[@Jo.And-so-on]

Very inspiring indeed. Thank you for the video. Hope to meet him one day on his boat ..

[@edmilsonsilva7283]

You are an incredible and solid men,congratulations!!!! Ahoy from Boston.

[@kentsonger5837]

I have a westerly Nomad which has the same hull as the W22. Less ballast and therefore more freeboard. Bill has tricked his boat out superbly. He's a great inspiration to the small simple cruising sailor. Fair winds Bill!

[@jonathanstafford]

Mate! You completely inspire me. Thank you.

[@gusoliverbar9392]

Bill you are my hero. I have a columbia 22 and my longer trips are around 45 nm, but I don't have self-steering yet. I'm testing sheet-to-tiller for now here in south California.

[@erivar62]

Eric vardar my daughter Tara and l bought a westerly 22 Nomad with trailer; and are having professional shipping to bring it here 240 miles to copiague Long Island; they been in shipping business since 1994 hopefully they should be able to,.We pulled it with armada for about a hour distance; yet we were new at this and boat not having trailer lights and registration; we let professionals that have means handle it Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow;

[@7grounds]

great interview, great guy

[@isleofwightcountypress6888]

Fitting out my boat for possible Jester Challenge Bill. Have taken ideas from your good self and others to fit out my boat (Macwester Rowan Crown 24). It has a long keel and bilge plates. Just want to prove that Macs are capable of doing the challenge....

[@DavidPaulNewtonScott]

I may have a go at this thing my boat would be perfect a Galion 22, I am also bald so I will be wearing some head protection on my next adventure. I like the cockpit boards I took a wave over the stern off Dungeness and scared the life out of myself, my cockpit is way too large. I think the space under the boards could be used for low weight but voluminous things such as clothes sealed in a zip up waterproof bag.I have one rule on my boat which is sacred I never go up top without my harnes hooked on, that wave could have easily flicked me out of the cockpit.

[@michaelmcilrath3420]

Absolutely inspiring!

[@donjvalley]

Bill has some really good ideas, for sure, but as someone new to sailing I would still want a hand-held vhf and more goodies for my safety as sea. He could burn wood or charcoal in a rail-mounted BBQ, as well...

[@kellyhunt3958]

Top bloke..

[@markthomasson5077]

With that diet…you can see why he sails singlehanded!

[@petermulville5563]

So you are the name behind the Churchouse hole in my Sea Feather self steering.

[@james-tm1rm]

Anybody have any idea what stove burner that is? 7.11 mins. Cheers.

[@edmilsonsilva7283]

You are an incredible and solid men,congratulations!!!! Ahoy from Boston.